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Photographic 

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CIHM/ICMH 

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mt  14X 


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3 


16X 


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32X 


Stalls 
s  du 
lodifisr 
r  une 
Image 


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Library  Divi.  "^n 

Provincial  Archives  of  British  Columbia 

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la  dernidre  page  qui  comporte  une  telle 
empreinte. 

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dernidre  image  de  cheque  microfiche,  selon  le 
cas:  le  symbole  •— »•  signifie  "A  SUIVRE  ",  le 
symbole  V  signifie  "FIN  ". 

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filmAs  A  des  taux  de  reduction  diff^rents. 
Lorsque  'e  document  est  trop  grand  pour  dtre 
reproduii  en  un  seul  clich6,  il  est  film*  d  partir 
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et  de  haut  en  bas,  en  prenant  le  nombre 
d'images  n^cessaire.  Les  diagrammes  suivants 
illustrent  la  m^thode. 


rrata 
o 


selure, 
1  d 


3 


32X 


1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

I^f 


MR. 


Delivered 


SPEECH 


OP 


MR.  L.  B.  CHASE,  OF  TENNESSEE, 


ON   THE 


OREGON  QUESTION. 


X 


DcUvtredin  the  House  of  Representatives ^  U.  S.,  A^ibruary  i,  1846. 


WASHINGTON: 
PRINTED  BY  J.  fc  O.  S.  GIDEON. 
1846. 


m 


The  House  1 
Foreign  Affair! 
will  terminati^ 
trade  in  Oregvi 

Mr.  CW 

I  regret,.  ] 
compelled  fi 
position  I  o( 
ziiade  to  tho 
my  duty  to 
nate  if  this 
country  is  tc 
opinion  in  tl 
sunender  of 
our  land . 
should  desc( 

Th«  defei 
gentlemen, 
rally  in  the 
more  dangei 
em  line,  fro 
the  mouth  o 
of  the  BritisI 
terrible  in  ci 
ed,  or  will  t 
fence  of  the 
of  the  gentl 
ner  to  the  bi 
Oregon  or  n 
sition  he  has 
Jiave  to  drea 
fury  than  th 
upon  the  coi 
this  floor,  bii 
has  been  sail 
part,  if  I  lei 


SPEECH. 


The  House  having  under  consideration  the  joint  resolution  reported  by  the  Committee  on 
Foreign  Affairs,  directing  the  President  to  give  notice  to  Great  Britain  that  the  United  States 
will  tcrmin?.t(»  the  convention  between  the  two  Governments,  providing  for  the  joint  ri^ht  of 
•trade  in  Oregvin  territory,  at  the  expiration  of  twelve  months — 

Mr.  CHASE,  of  Tennessee,  being  entitled  to  floor,  said — 
I  regr«t,  jtfr.  Chairman,  at  tlie  present  stage  of  tliis  discussion,  that  I  am 
compelled  (o  occupy  the  time  or  tlie  attention  of  the  committee.  But  the 
position  I  occupy  before  my  conslituent«,and  the  allusions  which  have  been 
made  to  tho  South,  by  members  from  the  North,  upon  this  floor,  makes  it 
my  duty  to  forbear  giving  a  silent  vote.  I  shall  deem  it  peculiarly  unfortu- 
nate if  this  should  become  a  wtfiono/ question .  When  the  honor  of  the 
coimtry  is  lo  be  defended ,  there  should  be  but  one  voice  in  this  hall ,  but  one 
opinion  in  this  country.  If  our  national  escutcheon  is  to  be  tarnished  bv'  a 
surrender  of  our  soil,  the  blight  should  fall  equally  upon  every  portion  of 
our  land.  But,  if  the  national  faith  is  to  be  nobly  vindicated,  the  glory 
should  descend  upon  all. 

Thn  defenceless  condition  of  cities  upon  the  coast  has  been  alluded  to  by 
gentlemen.  Have  their  inhabitants  become  so  enervated  that  they  cannot 
rally  in  the  defence  of  their  altars  and  their  firesides?  Where  can  there  be 
more  danger  than  upon  our  northern  and  western  border?  The  entire  north- 
ern line,  from  the  mouth  of  the  St.  John's  to  the  Pacific,  the  frontier  from 
the  mouth  of  the  Columbia  to  the  Rio  del  Norte,  is  exposed  to  the  attacks 
of  the  British  and  then-  allies,  the  savages.  Sir,  are  the  pangs  of  death  more 
terrible  in  cities  than  in  the  country;  is  the  loss  of  property  more  to  be  dread- 
ed, or  will  they  alike  "pledge  life,  fortune, and  Kicred  honor,"  in  the  de- 
fence of  their  country's  rights?  I  was  nuich  pleased  with  the  fearlessness 
of  the  gentleman  from  Missouri,  (Mr.  Simms.)  He  boldly  flings  his  ban- 
ner to  the  breeze ,  upon  which  he  has  inscribed  his  motto,  "the  whole  of 
Oregon  or  none,  now  or  never."  That  gentleman  stakes  his  all  in  the  po- 
sition he  has  assumed.  His  home  is  ujwn  the  frontier,  where  his  ftxmily 
liave  to  dread  the  tomahawk  of  the  merciless  savages,  wore  terrible  in  their 
fury  than  their  civilized  employers,  whose  attacks  are  so  much  dreaded 
upon  the  coast.  Not  only  will  that  gentleman  maintain  his  position  upon 
this  floor,  but,  if  necessary,  he  will  back  it  with  a  western  rifle.  So  much 
has  been  said  about  the  eagle,  it  may  be  considered  in  bad  taste,  upon  my 
part,  if  I  let  tl- 2  poor  bird  rest.     So  often  has  he  been  compelled  to  dash 


.f 


through  the  air,  now  bleeding  the  lion,  at  the  reipiest  of  the  gentleman  from 
Indiana,  (Mr.  Kennkoy,)  and  anun  al  the  sohcitation  of  the  eloquent  gen- 
tleman from  Virginia,  (Mr.  BKDiN(iKn,)  atten.pling,  but  without  success,  to 
dash  through  dari\  clouds  charged  with  eiwcli  ioity .  again  and  iigain  making  the 
effort,  as  he  wheeled  and  soared  aloft,  as  if  determined  to  l»rave  the  fire  and' 
artillery  of  heaven,  and  "pass  on  to  the  trackless  regions  of  the  West." 
The  gentleman  siuiuld  have  required  another  bold  and  triuiiiplmnt  effort,  en- 
abling the  eagle,  as  the  emblem  of  our  power  and  our  institutions,  to  soar 
above  the  cloud ,  or  to  pass  through  it,  rather  than  to  suffer  him  to  pause  until 
xhc  daii!scr\\VL<\  passed.  I  will  first,  Mr.  Cliairman,alludeto  the  position  taken 
by  my  colleague,  (Mr.  Ewinc;.)  I  could  hardly  resist  the  conclusion,  that 
the  gentleman  had  made  Ciireat  liritain  his  client,  such  a  striking  similarity 
is  there  between  a  part  of  his  arguments  and  those  advanced  by  Mr.  Packcn- 
ham. 

Sfetch  nfMr.  Ewing,  January  29,  184fi. 

"  Now  the  first  obsiervalion  that  is  to  be 
inndf  ill  regard  to  our  title  is,  tlml  we  cannot 
rely  upon  both  that  arising  from  our  own  dis- 
coveries and  tiiat  derived  from  Snain,  and  in 
one  event  we  aliall  be  preoUidea  altof»etlier 
from  relying  on  tlie  former  at  all.  If  our  title 
by  discovery  and  settlement  be  better  than  that 
both  of  England  and  Spain,  or  even  better  than 
that  of  Spain,  we  may  disregard  the  Spanish 
title  altogether,  and  meet  England  upon  tlmt 
ground;  l)Ul  if  the  Spanish  title  be  belter  than 
that  wliif-h  we  possesj!ed  in  1818,  we  may  not 
be  at  liberty  to  disregard  the  Spanish  title,  for 
in  that  title  England  may  have  an  interest  un- 
der the  Nootka  convention. 

It  is  sufficient  answer  to  the  arguments  of  these  gendenjen  to  state  the 
fact,  that  we  own  both  these  titles,  and  can  use  them  separately  or  together 
as  we  please. 


Letter  of  Mr.  Packrnham,  Jtily^,  1845. 

"The  United  States  can  found  no  claim  on 
discovery,  exploration,  and  settlement,  cfTected 
previously  to  the  Florida  treaty,  without  ad- 
mitting the  principles  of  the  Nooika  conven- 
tion, and  the  conseouent  validity  of  the  paral- 
lel claims  of  Great  Britain,  founded  on  like 
acts ;  nor  can  they  appeal  'o  any  exclusive 
right,  as  acquired  by  the  Florida  treaty,  with- 
out upsetting  all  claims  adduced  in  their  own 
proper  right,  by  reason  of  discovery,  explora- 
tion, and  settlement,  antecedent  to  Uiut  arrange- 
ment. " 


Jdr.  Packrnham,  July  24,  184f>. 


•Mr.  Eving. 


"  In  the  first  place,  as  relates  to  the  discov- 
ery of  Gray,  it  must  be  remarked  that  he  was 
a  privute  nuviijalor,  sailing  jiriiicijially  for  tlie 
purposes  of  trade." 


"  First.  It  is  doubtful  whether  Gray's  dis- 
covery can  enure  to  the  benefit  of  the  United 
Suites,  he  not  acting  under  Government  au- 
thority." 

Neither  of  the  gentlemen  have  given  reasons  or  authority  to  show  the 
distinction  between  a  Government  vessel  and  a  merchantman,  with  the  flag 
of  her  country  at  her  mast-head,  so  far  a.s  discoveries  are  concerned. 

My  colleague  proceeds  to  take  another  jiosilion,  which  appears  to  me  to 
be  untenable.     He  says: 

"  What,  then,  is  the  true  constniction  of  the  Nooikn  treaty  ?  The  text  of  that  convention  cer- 
tainly gives  to  England  the  right  of  settlement  of  Nootka  Sound,  and  within  the  parallels,  there- 
fore, of  42°  and  54°  40V  " 

I  will  notice  the  right  of  the  English  to  make  settlements  north  of  Nootks 
soimd  hereafter.  I  have  been  unable  to  find  any  authority  to  sustain  the 
gentleman's  position,  that  there  was  a  line  established  at  54°  40'  as  early  as 
1790,  the  date  of  the  Nootka  treaty.  On  the  contrary,  it  was  not  until  the 
convention  of  1824, between  the  United  States  and  Russia,  that  the  bounda- 
ry of  54°  40'  was  established — nearly  thirty  years  subsequent  to  the  Nootka 
convention.  , 


My  col 
and  it  is  > 
their  com 
minds  of 
fresh  fron 
tempting 
the  count 
as  a  man 
that  after 
will  go  rif 
the  whole 

First.  It  i; 
he  not  actint 
mouth  of  tin 
crnnient  auti 
such  a  clain 
Clarke's  exp 
and  its  subsi 
lishment  at  I 
which  IS  unt| 
to  be  prefer 
though,  are  ( 
doubtt'iil  one 

"Take  it, 
tl  is,  I  say,  ;i 
:xn  interest  in 
it;  or,  if  we  i 
the  convtntii 

These  i 
tieman  fro 

"Sir,  I  de 
that  does  not 

will,  I  ho 
oiM-  rights 

I  was 
make  the 

"Theresv 
is  not  "  Cle;i 
much  Ijettei 
it  better  to 
treaty  of  Un 
ty  to  49°,  a 
ceitainly  no 
tcrmineil  as 
»ude." 

He  thii 
ritory. 
examine, 
occurs  to 
mind  as 
belona:  to 
terminatic 
title  bette 
he  intent 
as  I  am  r 
noith  lati 


man  from 

[iieiil  gen- 

jiicccss,  to 

lakiiigthe 

le  fire  and 

e  West." 

efTortjCn- 

ns,  (0  soar 

)aupe  until 

ilion  taken 

usion ,  that 

similarity 

.  Packcii- 

29,  1846. 

ihal  is  to  be 
lilt  M-e  cnniiot 
our  own  dis- 
Snain,  and  in 
lea  aliopethcr 
.  If  our  title 
otter  than  that 
•en  better  than 
i  the  Spanish 
ind  upon  tJiat 
be  better  than 
),  we  may  not 
Kinish  title,  for 
an  interest  un- 

Lo  Slate  the 
'  or  together 


er  Gray's  dis- 
t  of  the  United 
overnment  au- 
to show  the 
,vith  the  flag 
ned. 
irs  to  nie  to 


convention  ce^ 
parallels,  there 

th  of  Nootks 
}  sustain  the 
0*  as  early  as 
not  until  the 
the  bounda- 
0  the  Nootka 


My  colleague  is  somewhat  celebrated  in  Tennes.see  as  a  criminal  lawyer; 
and  it  is  well  known  by  all  who  have  witnessed  the  trial  of  criminals,  that 
their  counsel  have  often  to  resort  to  ingenious  argument,  to  create  in  the 
minds  of  the  jiny  "rpasonnble  doxibts^''  as  to  their  guilt.  My  colleague  is 
fresh  from  the  courts,  and  I  was  not  much  surprised,  that  he  is  fnund  at- 
tempting to  create  ''reasonable  doubts"  in  the  minds  of  this  commiltee  and 
the  country  ,as  to  our  title  to  Oregon.  I  have  great  respect  for  my  colleague 
as  a  man  of  learning,  and  as  a  patriot,  and  I  am  inclined  to  the  opinion, 
that  after  he  has  abstained  from  the  defence  of  criminals  for  a  short  time,  all 
will  go  right  with  him, and  we  shall  have  his  cordial  assist  >.icc  in  obtaining 
the  whole  of  Oregon.     I  tpiote  from  the  gciulcman's  s])eech: 

Fir.st.  It  is  doubtful  wiicther  Gr,-iy"<  discovery  can  inure  to  the  licncfit  of  the  United  States, 
he  niu  octiiii;  un<l('r  govoriiiiunt  luithoriiy-  .Sfcoud.  It  is  pretty  cprtiiin  dial  his  i.iiterii.:;  the 
mouth  of  the  river  is  not  better  thiui  Heceta'n  discovery  in  17".").  Tliinl.  Hi-iiUi  went  hy  'j;ov- 
crinnent  authority,  and  cluinied  the  whole  const  for  his  tjovcriiinciit,  but  it  is  douijtful  liow  far 
sucli  a  claim  was  of  use  without  .sul)sc(|ueiit  sctllcnicni.  Fouilh.  The  cllect  of  Lewis  and 
Clarke's  exploration  without  snilemem  is  of  doul)tt"iil  import.  I"if:h.  Tlit  scitleiu'.'iit  of  Astoria 
and  its  subsif|ucnt  abandonment,  what  is  this  to  avail'  Dxxbitatur.  Sixth.  The  Spanisli  tstab- 
hslimeiit  at  Noolka,  of  what  ftl'cct  was  that-  It  is  not  ai^reed.  Then  it  earinul  be  determined 
whicii  IS  untiuestioiiably  the  ln'iier  title,  the  Aiucrieaii  or  the  Spani.^h.  The  .Spanish  title  seems 
to  be  preferred  by  our  American  diplomatists,  not  that  tliey  \va\v  the  choice:  the  En;rlish, 
thoiijrh,  arc  certainly  at  lilirrty  to  arsjiie  that  this  is  our  belter  till'-;  and,  if  the  point  is  really  a 
doubtt'iil  one,  we  cannot  arbitrarily  a»sume  it  to  he  either  the  one  way  tu'  the  other. 

"Take  it,  tlien,  that  the  S|  aiilsh  is  our  better  title,  (and  liiii^hind  has  a  ri^'ht  so  to  ar2;ue,  for 
It  is,  I  say,  a  debatiible  matter,)  then  our  title  hy  our  own  discoveries  is  troiie;  for  Eng'and  has 
an  interest  in  per)>etuo  derived  under  this  .Spanish  title  by  convention,  and  we  caiinoi  repudiate 
it;  or,  if  wc  do,  Enijland  may  set  it  up  as  outstanding,  and  assert  licr  rights  derived  under  it  and 
the  conventiuii  with  .Spain." 

These  doubts,  taken  in  connection  with  the  positive  assertion  of  the  gen- 
tleman from  South  Carolina,  (Mr.  Holmes,)  that — 

"Sir,  I  deny  in  Mn  iuiy  riijht.  any  claim  to  that  territory,  or  to  any  part  or  parcel  thereof, 
that  does  not  tippertain  with  equtd  lorco  and  etficieiiey  to  the  power  of  Great  Britain." 

will,  I  hope,  be  a  sufficient  excuse,  upon  my  part,  for  an  examination  of 
otu'  rights  in  Oregon. 

I  was  surprised,  Mr,  Chairman,  to  hetir  my  collt^-igue,  (Mr.  EwtNt;,) 
make  the  admission  contained  ii»  the  following  language: 

"The  result,  then,  with  me,  of  the  examination  of  our  title  to  the  Oregon  territory  is,  that  it 
IS  not  ''clear  and  uinincstionable."  I  have  not  examined,  nor  <lo  1  iitend  to  examine,  how 
much  belter  it  maybe  to  the  49th  parallel  than  to  the  iiarallc  1  of  j4°  40',  thousli  I  do  ihiiik 
it  belter  to  the  former  than  the  latter;  and,  inilced,  if  the  line  of  \\P  was  really  marked  by  the 
treaty  of  Utrecht,  of  which,  however,  I  have  no  sutiii'ient  evidence,  wc  ini;,'hl  claim  With  i-crtain- 
ty  to  49°,  and  could  not  ^o  beyond  it.  The  questionin;  our  title  to  any  part  of  this  territory  \3 
certainly  no  pleasino'  uusk  to  'ne,  uiiwilliii:^  as  I  am  to  yield  any  nurtioii  of  the  territory,  and  de- 
terinineil  as  1  ain  never,  nt  any  hazard,  to  yield  anytiiiiio'  below  tiio  49th  degree  of  north  lati- 
<iide." 

He  thinks  our  title  is  not  "clear  and  unquestionable  to  the  Oregon"  ter- 
ritory. The  gentleman  .says  he  has  not  examined,  nor  does  he  intend  to 
€.\amine,  how  much  belter  it  is  to  the  49ih  parallel  than  to  54^  40'.  Tt 
occurs  to  me,  sir,  that  as  the  genlloman  has  so  many  doubts  in  his  own 
mind  as  to  our  title,  atid  is  so  scrnpidous  about  taking  that  which  does  not 
belong  to  us,  he  shoultl  be  well  satisfied  of  oin-  rights  before  he  iisserts  a  de- 
termination not  to  yield  the  territory.  He  does  stale,  that  he  thinks  our 
title  better  to  49*^  than  to  51°  40  ,  although  he  lias  not  exantined,  nor  does 
he  intend  to  examine,  how  iniicli  better;  and  yet  he  concludes,  ''determined 
as  I  am  never,  at  any  hazard,  to  yield  anything  below  the  4yth  degree  of 
noith  latitude." 


It  cannot  be,  that  my  colleague  is  resolved  to  difler,  right  or  wrong,  with 
the  executive,  as  to  our  title  to  Oregon;  and  yet  I  rnnnoi  reconcile  his  con- 
clusions. Wliy  this  resohuion  expressed,  not  to  yield  anything  below  the 
49th  degree  of  north  latitude,  at  the  sonic  time  that  he  declares  our  title  to 
Oregon  is  hot  "clear  and  unquestionable?"  If  we  have  no  right  to  the 
territory  he  ought  not  to  claim  it;  on  the  contrary,  if  we  have  tights  there 
they  should  be  enforced.  If  we  have  a  tide  to  die  4'.Uh,  and  no  further, 
there  should  he  go  and  stop.  If  our  title  is  good  to  54°  40',  every  principle 
of  honor  and  duty  prompts  us  to  enforce  it. 

I  will  first,  Mr.  Chairman,  briefly  allude  to  our  title  by  our  own  discove- 
riss,  explorations,  and  ^etUements.  In  May,  1792,  Capt.  Gray,  in  the 
ship  Columbia,  from  Boston ,  entered  the  mouth  of  the  Columbia  river, 
sailed  up  die  river  for  several  miles,  and  gave  it  the  name  which  it  hau 
since  borne.  It  is  true  that  the  British  commissioners,  in  1826,  in  thestate- 
ment  annexed  lo  the  protocol  of  the  sixth  conference,  held  at  London,  as- 
sert that  "Mr.  Meaics,  a  lieutenant  of  the  royal  navy, in  17S8,had  actually 
entered  the  bay  of  the  Columbia,  to  the  northern  headland  of  which  he 
gfive  llie  name  of  Cape  Disappointment,  a  name  which  it  bears  to  Uiis  day." 
If  this  assertion  of  the  British  commissioners  was  sustiiined  l)y  iUc  facts,  the 
English  could  not  reap  the  beuelils  of  his  discoveries,  as  will  appear  from 
the  following  extract  from  Greenhow's  history  of  Oregon,  page  172: 

"For  the  exnedilioii  in  question,  two  vcsstls  were  fitted  out  at  the  Portuguese  port  of  Ma- 
CAo,  near  Cnnion,  in  China,  from  wliieli,  as  already  mentioned,  several  voyiiges  had  been  pre- 
viously made  to  the  nortliwest  coas'ts  of  America,  in  senn^li  of  furs.  They  were  both  placed 
under  the  direction  of  .lohn  Meares,  a  lieulennnt  in  the  Uritish  navy,  on  hulf  pay,  who  sailed 
in  the  ship  Felice,  as  supercari;o;  (he  other  vessel,  the  hriir  Ipliigeiiin,  also  carried  a  British  sub- 
ject, William  Doui;la:is,  in  the  same  capacity;  both  vessels  were,  however,  commanded,  osten- 
sibly, at  least,  by  Portuiinese  captains;  they  were  both  furnished  with  passports,  and  other  pa- 
pers, in  the  Portuguese  lunjiuage,  fjranted  by  the  Porluguese  authoritieB  of  Macao,  and  show- 
ine  them  to  be  the  property  of  Juan  Cavallo,  a  Portuguese  merchant  of  that  jilace.  The  instruc- 
tions tor  the  conduct  of  the  voyasje  were  wrillcn  only  in  the  Portuguese  languaire,  and  <'(mtained 
nothitig  whatsoever  eulculated  lo  afford  the  slightest  grounds  for  suspiciini  that  other  than  Por- 
tuguese subjccls  were  interested  in  the  enterprise.  I-'iniilly,  the  vessels  sailed  from  MaCAo  on 
the  1st  of  January,  1786,  under  the  Portugutse  flag,  and  there  is  no  sulficienl  proof  that  luiy 
Other  was  displayed  by  them  during  the  expedition.'' 

If  any  nation  is  entitled  to  the  benefit  of  his  discoveries,  it  is  certainly 
Portugal. 

Lieutenant  Meares,  it  is  true,  sought  for  the  mouth  of  the  Columbia  in 
the  latitude  where  tradition  had  located  it,  but  he  states  in  his  journal  that 
"he  can  now  safely  assert  that  there  is  no  such  river  as  that  of  St.  Roc  ex- 
isting, as  laid  down  in  the  Spanish  charts."  As  evidence  of  the  sincerity  of 
this  assertion,  he  gave  the  name  of  Cap''  Disappointment  to  the  promon- 
tory, and  the  bay  obtained  the  name  of  Dixcption  Bay. 

The  next  question  is,  whether  we  followed  up  our  discovery  soon  enough  , 
by  exploration  and  settlement,  to  perfect  our  title.  Coming  to  a  conclusion 
upon  this  subject,  we  nmst  lake  into  consideration  the  vast  distance  to  that 
country,  and  the  difriculties  which  nature  has  thrown  in  our  way.  There 
is  a  material  diirerence  between  perfecting  a  title  under  such  circumstances, 
and  where  no  such  obstacles  prevail.  Reason  and  common  sense  would 
lead  us  readily  lo  the  conclusion  that,  in  the  exploration  and  setUement  of 
Oregon,  it  w^as  done  in  a  reasonable  iitiie  from  the  discovery  of  the  mouth 
of  the  St.  Roc  by  Capt.  Gray. 

In  May,  1804,  Lewis  and  Clarke,  commissioned  by  the  Government  of 


the  United 
November, 
dence  to  th( 
to  the  territt 
by  John  Jai 

The  nexi 
at  the  treat) 

Mr.  Pacil 
In  his  con 
discoveries 
cated,  it  wi 
important ,  ] 
of  the  disco 

1.592,  Ju 

1774, Ju 
and  discovc 

1775, Hi 
of  his  lieut 
examined  i 

The  Spa 
latitude  6P 
the  followii 
the  Secreta 
tiary,  in  an 
of  America 
plele  as  nc 
They  had  1 
since  the  di 
by  all  Eurt 
minister.  ' 
Spimish  elf 
by  the  pow 
comes  our 
convention 

The  foil 

"An.  3.  Ill 

harmony  and 
spectivc  si'bje 
fisherieii  in  tin 
places  not  alrt 
ilic  country,  r 
specified  in  th 

It  is  con 
right  of  nii! 
be  seen  thi 

"  Art.  4.  t 

navigation  an 
made  a  pretc? 
expressly  Rti| 
seas,  within  t 
"Art.  .-S.  A 
the  first  artici 
i  stands  ad Jact 
whtrcvcr  the 


oiig ,  with 
e  his  con- 
)elow  the 
iir  title  to 
jht  to  the 
jhls  there 

0  further, 
'  principle 

II  diacove- 
y,  ill  the 
iliiu  river, 
ch  it  hM 

1  thestate- 
jiidoii ,  as- 
d  actually 

which  he 
this  day." 
/f/c/.v,  the 
)pear  from 
T2: 

port  of  Ma- 
md  l)C<'ii  prc- 
j  botti  plnced 
Y,  who  sailed 
I  Ui'itiali  sub- 
uiideil,  oslcn- 
ind  otlicr  pa- 
I,  and  show- 
Tlie  iiislruc- 
iiid  contained 
i(:r  tliiin  Por- 
ini  MiiCAo  on 
roof  that  any 

certainly 

unibia  in 
)urnal  that 
t.  Roc  ex- 
incerity  of 
e  promon- 

in  enough , 
conclusion 
nee  to  that 
There 
.nnstances, 
use  would 
itlenient  of 
the  mouth 

eminent  of 


the  United  Statcg,  began  the  ascent  of  the  Missouri,  and  on  the  15th  of 
November,  1805,  arrived  at  the  mouth  of  the  Columbia.  This  was  evi- 
dence to  the  nations  of  the  earth  that  our  Government  had  asserted  her  title 
to  the  territory.  In  March,  1611 ,  Astoria  was  settled  by  a  colony  sent  out 
by  John  Jacob  Astor,  from  New  York. 

The  next  subject  of  in(|uiry  is,  what  were  the  rights  of  Spain  in  Oregon, 
at  the  treaty  of  1S19. 

Mr.  Packenham  does  not  date  the  English  discoveries  earlier  than  1788. 
In  his  comnumication  of  July  29,  1845,  he  says;  "Rejecting  previous 
discoveries  north  of  the  43d  parallel  of  latitude  as  not  siifficicntly  authenti- 
cated, it  will  be  seen,  on  the  side  of  Great  Britain,"  A-c.  It  will  now  be 
important,  Mr.  Chairman,  to  a.scertain  what  were  the  extent  and  importance 
of  the  discoveries  made  by  Spain, ^/•eyioi/s  to  1788. 

1592,  Juan  de  Fuca  discovered  the  straits  bearing  his  name. 

1774,  Juan  Perez  explored  the  coast,  from  54^  north  latitude  to  49J°, 
and  discovered  Nootka  sound . 

1775,  Heceta  sailed  along  the  shore, from  50°  north  latitude  to  41°;  one 
of  his  lieutenants  explored  the  coast ,  from  58°  to  54°  north  latitude,  and 
examined  it  carefully  fron»  45°  to  42°. 

The  Spaniards  always  claimed  the  country  north  to  mount  St.  Elias,  in 
latitude  61°.  As  condus'we  evidence  of  this  fact,  I  lel'er  the  committee  to 
the  following  admissions  made  by  Mr.  Packenham,  in  his  ronnnunication  to 
the  Secietaiy  of  State,  July,  1845:  "Hut,  says  the  American  plenipoten- 
tiary, in  another  part  of  his  statement,  the  rights  of  Spain  to  the  west  coast 
of  America,  as  far  north  as  the  sixty-first  ilegiec  of  latitude,  were  so  com- 
plete as  never  to  have  been  seriously  questioned  by  any  European  nation. 
They  had  been  maintained  by  Spain  with  the  most  vigilant  jealousy  ever 
since  the  discovery  of  the  American  continent,  and  had  been  acquiesced  in 
by  all  European  powers."  This  position  is  not  controverted  by  the  British 
minister.  Then ,  Mr.  Chairniau ,  we  must  consider  it  clearly  settled,  that  the 
Sptmish  claim  to  the  territory  of  Oregon,  north  to  Gl°,  was  acquiesced  in 
by  the  powers  of  Europe,  down  to  the  Nootka  convention,  in  1790.  It  be- 
comes our  duty,  therefore,  to  inquire  what  was  the  force  and  effect  of  that 
convention. 

The  following  is  the  3d  article  of  that  convention: 

"  Art.  3.  In  order  to  strengthen  the  bonds  of  tViendship,  iind  to  preserve  in  future  a  perfect 
iiarniony  and  a,<Vid  understanding  between  the  two  conirai'.ting  parties,  it  is  agreed  that  their  re- 
Kl)ectivc  sHbjects  slmil  not  l)e  disturl)e.d  or  inolcNled,  either  in  navi^'ating  or  earrying  on  their 
fisiicrieii  in  the  Pacific  oeean,  or  in  the  South  seas,  or  in  huuiing  on  tiie  coasts  of  tliose  seas  in 
places  not  already  ooi'.upied,  for  the  purpose  of  carrying  on  then-  eoinnicrce  wilii  the  natives  of 
the  country,  or  of  making  settlements  there;  the  whole  subject,  nevertheless,  to  the  restrictiona 
specified  in  the  tliree  following  wticles.'' 

It  is  contended  that,  by  the  provisions  of  this  article,  the  English  had  the 
right  of  making  permanent  selllemeiils  u])on  (lie  northwest  coast;  but  it  will 
be  seen  this  right  was  restricted  by  the  following  articles: 

"  Art.  4.  His  Britannic  Majesty  engages  to  take  the  most  eifcctual  measures  to  j>revent  the 
navigation  and  the  fishing  of  his  subjects  in  tlic  I'aciti"  oceuu,  or  in  the  South  seas,  from  being 
made  a  pretext  for  illicit  trade  with  the  Spanish  sci(lcment-s ;  and  with  this  view,  it  is  moreover 
expressly  stipulated,  that  British  subjerts  shall  not  navigate  or  carry  mi  their  fishery  in  the  said 
seas,  within  the  space  often  sea  leasrues  tVom  any  part  coast  ah-iady  occupied  by  St)ain." 

"Art.  5.  As  well  in  the  places  wlmh  arc  to  ic  restored  to  the  Foil ish  sulijects,  by  virtue  of 
the  lirst  article,  as  in  all  other  [>arts  of  the  northwestern  coasts  of  .\i>rtli  America,  or  of  the 
islands  adjacent,  situate  to  the  north  of  the  piu'ts  of  the  said  cqast  ainady  occupied  by  Spain, 
whircver  the  :?'.ibjcct;i  of  cither  I'f  the  two  pcwtrL'  shall  have  niaii"  ^'.tilcmcnts  since  tile  month 


8 

of  April,  1789,  or  »ihall  her<'ftft<!r  mako  any,  the  sulyecta  of  the  other  shall  liavc  free  accew,  and 
ahall  carry  un  their  traile  without  uiiy  diaturbance  or  niolcalation." 

At  the  time  lliis  iroaJy  was  made  between  England  and  Spain,  tlie  former 
power  was  only  anxious  to  enable  her  subiecls  to  trade  with  the  Indians, 
and  engage  in  the  fisheries;  there  is  not  the  slighleat  evidence, to  be  gathered 
from  the  terms  of  the  convention,  that  she  was  anxious  to  secure  for  her 
subjects  the ^^7vnrtw//<  nossejjsion  of  the  country.  This  is  apparent  from 
the  fa^;,  that  the  principle  object  of  the  convention  apjiears  to  be,  lo  place 
restrictions  upon  tlie  right  of  trade  mid  Jishiiiff,  so  that  the  subjects  of  the 
two  nations  might  not  interfere  with  each  oilier,  and  the  limits  of  these 
rights  were  defined  l)y  the  setllemeiUs  of  the  two  powers.  T/iis  convention 
contained  no  provision  impairing  the  sovcrn.igntij  of  Spain.  If  I  can. 
Mr.  Chairman,  establish  this  projMJsition ,  the  claim  of  England  to  soil  upon 
the  northwest  coast  is  wholly  unsustained.  1  shall  rely  ujmju  the  admissions 
and  acts  of  England  to  pio  e  my  position. 

First.  When  the  negotiations  m  181S  were  in  progress  between  this 
country  and  England,  no  claim  was  urged  by  the  latter  power  tq  the  terri- 
tory of  Oregon,  under  the  Nootka  convention.  As  eoger  a.s  the  Englisb  ; : " 
to  seize  upon  every  pretext  to  extend  their  lenitorial  right.«i,  it  is  not  to  be 
supposed  that  they  would  suller  any  opportunity  to  pass  without  unjiressing 
upon  the  nalion.s  of  the  earth  the  rights  they  possess. 

Second.  Astoria  was  surrendered  under  the  first  article  of  the  treaty  of 
Ghent.     The  act  of  delivery  is  in  the  following  language: 

"  In  obedience  to  the  rommnnds  of  liis  Royal  Hijjhnfss,  the  Prince  Rci^pnt,  .si'jjnificd  in  a 
dispatch  from  the  rislil  homirnble  tlie  liarl  Bu'thurst,  uddrisscd  to  the  partners  or  ugents  of  the 
Nordiwcst  Ciiinpnny,  bcnrinj;  duic  the  •21i\i  of  .Iiuuuiry,  181S,  nnd  in  oijcdience  to  u  subsequent 
order,  dated  the  iJ6th  of  July,  i'vnw  W.  A.  Sherifl",  esc].,  captain  of  IiIh  Majesty's  ship  Andro- 
mache, we,  the  undcr.sigiied,  di>,  in  conforniity  lo  the  first  article  of  the  treaty  of  Ghent,  restore 
to  the  Government  of  the  United  .States,  through  its  agent,  J.  B.  I'revost,  esq.,  the  settlement 
of  Fort  Gcortfe,  on  the  Coliiniljia  river. 

"  Given  under  our  hands,  in  triplicate,  at  Fort  George,  (Columbia  river,)  this  6th  day  of 
October,  \^\H. 

Signed,  "  F.  HK'KEY,  ('apt.  of  hisMajrsUfs  ship  Blossom. 

"  J.  KEITH,  0/  till-  AbrtAiOMt  Vmitpany." 

The  act  of  acceptance,  on  the  part  of  the  American  Commissioner,  is  in 
these  words: 

"  I  dc  hereby  acknowledge  to  have  this  day  received,  in  l)ehalf  of  the  Government  of  the 
United  States,  the  iiossession  of  the  settlement  designated  above,  in  conformity  to  the  first  arti- 
cle of  the  treaty  ot  Ghent.  • 

"Given  under  my  hand,  in  triplicate,  at  Fort  George,  (Columbia  river,)  this  6th  Novem- 
ber, 1818. 

Signed,  "J.  B.  PREVOST,  JJgent  for  the  United  Stales:'' 

Third.  In  1819,  we  acquired  all  the  rights  of  Spain  to  the  northwest 
coast,  north  of  the  42d  degree  of  north  latitude,  and  again  England  stood 
silent.  l"he  boundary  between  the  United  States  and  Spain  was  settled  as 
follows: 

"  The  two  high  contracting  portics  agree  to  code  and  renounce  oil  their  rights,  claims,  and  pre- 
tensions to  the  territories  described  by  the  said  line:  ihat  is  to  say,  the  United  States  hereby 
cede  to  his  Catholic  Majesty,  and  renounce  forever,  all  their  rights,  claims,  and  pretensions  to 
the  territory  lying  west  aim  south  of  the  above  described  line,  (42^;)  and  in  like  manner  his 
Catholic  Majesty  cedes  to  the  United  States  all  his  rights,  claims,  and  [ji-clensidns  to  any  terri- 
tory east  and  north  of  the  .said  line,  and  for  himself,  his  heirs,  and  successors,  renounces  all  claim 
to  the  said  territories  forever." 

Spain,  at  that  time,  claimed  the  sovereign^'  ?^  the  soil  between  42°  and 
61°  north  latitude. 


Fhurth. 
1824, the  b 
We  tluifl  ce 
of  three  hu 
would  she 
by  one  pow 
between  th 

"  It  ,M,  mor 
ted  Slates,  c 
riiast  of  Anie 
minutes  of  nn 
jccis,  or  uiide: 

i 


Bfth 


tween  the 
consequent 
from  Spaii 
ing  tite  pi 
tained  fron 
length,  wl 
pover  holi 
(iovernme 
the  commi 
and  (ireal 

"  Ahtici.k 

ties  u])on  the 
in  the  inonnc 
of  Wales'  is' 
and  133d  (hi. 
north  along  t 
strikes  the  5( 
tion  shall  fol 
intersection  ( 
the  said  poii 
far  us  the  F 
c,oiitii;ent  of 

Sixth. 
with  the  1 
the  Stony 

1818: 

"It  isagr 
America,  w^ 
and  the  nav 
from  the  da 
the  two  Po\ 
judice  of  ail 
"the  said  con 
part  of  the  s 
to  ^irevcnt  i 

The  c( 
conventic 
the  right 
tice. 

Wliat 
ticularlv 


CO  acceM,  and 

tlie  former 
i«  Indians, 
l)e  gntliered 
ure  for  her 
parent  from 
be,  (o  pinre 
eels  of  the 
its  of  these 
convention 
If  I  can. 
lo  soil  upon 
admissions 

etween  ihis 
tq  tlje  lerri- 
Mnfjiisli ;,;" 
is  not  to  he 
impressing 

!ic  treaty  of 


siicnificd  in  a 
r  ugeniM  of  the 
o  u  .subfcqiicnl 
'm  tiliip  Amlro- 
Cilu'iil,  restore 

the  settlement 

lis  6th  day  of 
Mp  Blossom. 

sioner,  is  in 


rnment  of  th>> 
9  the  first  arti- 

1  6th  Novem- 

ited  States.'' 

northwest 
jland  stood 
s  settled  as 


inis,  and  pre- 
3tates  hereby 
retcnsions  to 
I  manner  his 
I  to  any  terri- 
nces  all  claim 

n  42°  and 


Fhurth.  By  the  convention  between  the  United  States  and  Russia,  in 
1824,  the  boundary  between  the  two  powers  was  f'xed  in  latitude,  54''  40'. 
We  thus  cede  toRussia  C^  and  20',  or  an  extent  of  country  alon<^  the  coast 
of  three  hundred  and  sixty  miles.  If  Knijland  had  possessed  tide  to  this  soil, 
would  she  have  calndy  and  quietly  looked  on,  suH'oring  it  to  'je  traded  off 
by  one  power  to  another?  The  following  is  the  mlicle  setting  the  boundary 
between  the  United  States  and  Russia: 

"  It  .s,  moreover,  n;;reed,  t'  ,it,  hereafter,  llierc  shall  not  Im  formed,  l)y  the  e.itizcnn  of  the  Uni- 
ted Slaten,  o  iiidcr  iho  authority  of  the  IJiiiled  States,  any  irslublishinenl  upon  the  rjorthwflsl 
roast  of  Aniiriea,  nor  in  any  of  iIir  i.slands  adjacent  /o  Me  nnrth  of  fifiy-fniir  deifree.i  and  40 
niHiutcs  of  north  latitude  ;  and,  in  the  same  manner,  there  »ludl  l>c  none  mniicd  by  Russian  sub- 
jects, or  under  the  authority  of  Russia,  sotW/i  of  the  same  jiarallel." 

Pifth.  So  far  from  objectinij  to  the  Coi.i:  li!»hiiient  of  the  boundary  be- 
tween the  United  States  and  Russia  ujion  li  ..  parallel  of  .54°  40',  and  a 
consequent  conveyance  to  Rusf^iaof  6  de^-fcc.  of  territory  which  we  obtained 
from  Spain,  Hnglaiid,  in  1S25,  eslab!i::lied  A'?' boundary  with  Russia,  mak- 
ing the  parallel  of  54°  40'  the  bat..s.  By  that  convention  England  ob- 
tained from  Russia  an  extent  of  country  three  hundred  anil  sixty  miles  in 
length,  which  the  Ri'ssians  (terired  froiii  the  United  States — the  fatter 
pover  holding  iinder  Spain.  And  yet,  8ir,  at  I  his  late  day,  the  English 
(iovernment  dispute  the  validity  of  our  Spanish  tide.  I  call  the  attention  of 
the  commiltei.'  to  the  following  article  of  the  convention  between  Russia 
and  (iieat  Britain; 

"  Artici.k  3.  The  line  of  demarkation  between  the  possessions  of  the  high  contracting  par- 
tics  upon  the  eoast  of  the  eontiiient,  and  the  islands  of  America  to  the  norlhweot,  shall  be  drawn 
in  the  manner  following  :  Comme neins  from  the  northernmost  jioiiit  of  the  island  called  Prince 
of  Wides'  island,  \vlii<-li  point  lies  in  the  jmralli.  of^Y^  W'  ittn-th  latitude,  and  between  the  131st 
and  133d  deiTeeof  west  longitude,  (meridian  of  tireenwich.)  The  said  line  siiall  ascend  to  the 
north  along  tin;  channel  called  Portland  chatuifl,  as  far  BH  the  point  of  the  continent  where  it 
.strikes  the  56lh  deprec  of  north  latitude.  From  this  last  mentioned  point  the  line  of  demarka- 
tion shall  follow  the  .-nmmit  of  the  mountains  situate  paralkl  to  the  eon.'jt  a.s  far  as  the  point  of 
intersection  of  the  141st  degree  of  west  lon^itudi',  (of  the  same  meridian.)  And,  finally,  from 
the  said  point  ot  >nter.section,  the  said  meridian  line  of  the  14l3t  desree,  in  its  prolongation  as 
far  as  the  Frozen  ocean,  shall  form  the  limit  l)ctwecn  llussian  and  <3ritish  possessions  on  the 
eontiiient  of  America  to  the  northwest." 

Sixth.  By  the  convejition  of  ISIS,  England  had  a  joint  right  of  trade 
with  the  United  States  in  the  territories  pos.-:essed  In'  both  powers  west  of 


the  Stony  mountains 
1818: 


The  following  is  the  3d  article  of  the  convention  of 


"It  is  agreed  that  any  country  that  may  be  claimed  by  either  party  on  llic  northwest  coast  of 
America,  westward  of  the  Stony  mountains,  shall,  to;,'cther  witn  its  harbors,  bays,  and  creeks, 
and  the  navigation  of  all  rivers  within  the  same,  be  free  and  open  for  the  term  of  ten  years, 
from  the  date  of  the  signature  of  the  present  convention,  to  the  vessels,  citizens,  and  subjects  of 
the  two  Powers,  ii  beiiis;  well  imderstood  that  this  agreement  is  not  to  be  construed  to  the  pre- 
judice of  any  claim  which  either  of  the  two  liif;!i  contracting  parties  may  have  to  any  part  of 
the  said  country  ;  nor  shall  it  be  taken  to  atlVct  the  claims  of  any  other  Power  or  State  to  any 
part  of  the  said  country  ;  the  only  oliject  of  ihc  high  contracting  parties,  on  that  subject,  being 
to.j)revent  disputes  and  ditl'erences  among  themselves." 

The  convention  of  1827  indefinitely  extended  and  continued  in  force  the 
convention  of  1818,  givinsr,  however,  to  either  of  the  contracting  parties, 
the  right  to  abrogate  it  upon  giving  to  the  other  jxirty  twelve  months'  no- 
tice. 

What  I  wish,  Mr.  Chairman,  to  call  the  attention  of  the  committee  par- 
ticularly to,  is  the  fact  that  England,  under  the  convention  of  1818,  had  a 


10 

right  to  trade  between  the  42d  and  the  6l8t  deffrees  of  north  latitude,  as  our 
title  embraced  the  territory  between  these  parallels.  But  between  the  con- 
ventions of  1618  and  1827,  the  convention  of  1824  was  adopted  between 
Russia  and  the  United  States,  by  which  we  transferred  our  soil  north  of  54° 
40'  to  Russia,  and  consequently,  when  the  convention  of  1827  was  adopted, 
England  had  not  the  right  of  trade  even  north  of  54°  40' .  It  is  not  to  be 
supposed ,  sir ,  that  England ,  if  she  had  rights  in  Oregon  at  that  time ,  would 
have  suffered  them  to  be  so  grossly  infringed  upon. 

I  think,  Mr.  Chairman,  1  have  now  established  my  position,  that  the 
Noolka  convention  contained  no  provision  impairing  the  sovereignty  of 
Spain  to  the  territory  upon  the  northwest  coast. 

But  there  is  another  treaty  which  precludes  Great  Britain  from  setting  up 
a  claim  to  territory  west  of  the  Mississippi  river.  The  seventh  article  of  the 
treaty  between  Olreat  Britain  and  France,  in  17t)3,  is  in  the  following 
words:  "The  confines  between  the  dominions  of  His  Britannic  Majesty 
in  that  part  of  the  world  (die  continent  of  America)  shall  be  fixed  irrevoca- 
bly by  a  line  drawn  along  the  middle  of  the  river  Mississippi,  from  its  source 
to  the  river  Iberville;  and,  from  thence,  by  a  line  drawn  along  liie  middle 
of  this  river  and  the  lakes  Maurepas  and  Ponchurtrain,  to  the  sea."  The 
boundary  having  hccn  fixed  irrevocably  upon  a  particular  line,  by  England^ 
she  cannot  go  beyond  it.  In  1603  France  conveyed  to  the  United  Slates 
whatever  rights  she  acquired  to  territory  by  the  treaty  of  1763. 

I  think,  Mr.  Chairman,  I  have  estabhshed  that  our  title  is  "clear  and 
nnqueslionable"  to  the  whole  of  the  Oregon  territory  between  the  42d  and 
54°  40^  of  north  latitude. 

I  will  next  proceed,  sir,  to  assign  reasons,  which  appear  conclusive  to  my 
mind,  that  this  notice  should  be  given  now,  and  the  convention  abrogated, 
that  we  may  assert  our  title  to  the  whole  territory. 

The  gentleman  from  Alabama,  (Mr.  Yancey,)  asked  if  England  has  act- 
ed with  bad  faith,  tiiat  gentlemen  should  be  so  anxious  to  abrogate  this  con- 
vention? I  unhesitatingly  reply,  that  she  lias  acted  with  bad  faith;  that 
she  has  violated  the  spirit  of  the  conventions  of  181.S  and  1827.  By  the 
terms  of  these  conventions,  the  citizens  and  subjects  of  the  two  powers  had 
a  right  of  trade  in  the  countries  claimed  by  either  parly  on  the  northwest 
coast  of  America,  westward  of  the  Stony  Moimtains,  with  the  express  reser- 
vation, however,  "  that  this  agreement  is  not  to  be  construed  to  the  preju- 
dice of  any  claim  which  either  of  the  two  high  contracting  partits  may  have 
to  any  part  of  the  said  country,"  «fcc. 

Now,  sir,  there  is  manifested  upon  the  part  of  Great  Britain  a  determina- 
tion to  hold  permanent  possession  of  a  part  of  tluit  countrJ^  They  havr 
twenty-two  forts  upon  our  soil,  certainly  not  to  protect  themselves  against, 
the  Indians,  because  they  are  generally  the  allies  of  the  savages,  and  there 
is  certaiidy  a  good  unilerstanding  l)etwcen  them  now.  No  other  power  save 
the  United  States  claims  the  soil.  Tlien  why  the  erection  of  lorts  ?  Why 
this  state  of  preparation  ?  Sir,  in  my  judgment,  it  would  l>e  right  for  this 
Government  to  break  otl"  negotiations  with  any  power  making  active  prei>a- 
rations  for  war,  while  atteiuptiiig  to  seUle  a  difficulty  amicably.  As  soon 
would  I  pjvrley  with  a  man  who  was  sharpening  his  knife  to  take  my  heart's 
blood.  But  I  have  other  evidence  of  her  (leterniiiiation.  In  1837,  the 
Governor  of  the  Hudson's  Bay  Company  wrote  us  follows  to  the  Britisli 
Secretary  Ibr  the  colonies:  ■  ' 


"  Wxlh,  cart  Bt 
M  betn,  »o  muck 
'ritish  interest  a 
oast  of  the  Pucy 

Sir,  mark 
care  and  pro 
country," 
as  paramour 

On  the  Is 
jpany  in  Am 

"TlieposscB 
itnpoi(«ii<'f,  (ind 
csiiililislimcnt  0 
culuirisls." 

Not  satisf 
of  iSlSnnc 
the  purpose 
i«^'-  the  nuc 

Mr.  Cliai 

Oregon,  to 

"  Whcrtvcr 
tilfairfd  ill  inu 
berot  hunurs 
:  wore  ofVered  U 
of  the  Unitcil 
10  rt tire  fri'iii  t 

Ag-iin: 

"As  ili<^  fui 
becan  to  nirn 
mills  for  L'rind 
near  Bulfiiu'ii' 

The  poli 

settled  dete 

]'ermanent 

lation  upon 

citizens  inc 

already  tin 

company, 

itjcted.     B 

a  conclusit 

country. 

rally  the  r 

people  is  r 

But,  Ml 

Slates  ten^ 

that,  alllii 

the  Unite( 

lie  liound 

bad  been 

was  declii 

poi^iiitiii  tl 

rcl'iise  an 

atrree  tha 


II 


ude ,  as  our 
en  the  con- 
id  between 
ortl)  of  54° 
as  adopted, 
s  not  to  be 
iiue,  would 

that  the 
ereignty  of 

setting  up 
tide  of  the 

following 
lie  Majesty 
d  irrevoca- 
n  its  source 
liie  middle 
a.  I'  The 
1;'  England;, 
ited  Stales 

'dear  and 
le  iM  und 

isive  to  my 
abrogated, 

nd  has  act- 
[e  this  con- 
faith;  that 
^     By  the 
)owers  had 
nortiiwest 
press  reser- 
the  preju- 
nrny  have 

leterniina- 
riiey  havr 
-'es  against 
and  there 
•ower  save 
.s?  Why 
iit  for  this 
ive  prepa- 
As  soon 
nv  heart's 
1^37,,  the 
he  UritisJi 


'  With  cart  and  protection,  tkt  British  dmninion  may  not  otily  bt  presfrved  in  thii  country,  which  it 
has  been  >o  much  the  wish  of  Rustia  and  .liinrica  to  occupy  to  the  exclusion  of  British  subjects,  but 
British  interest  and  British  injlutnce  may  be  maintained  oi  paramount  on  this  interesting  part  of  tht 
\coast  of  the  Pacific." 

Sir,  mark  the  pointed  and  significant  language  of  the  Governor:  "  With 
care  and  protection,  the  British  dominion  may  not  only  be  preserved  in  this 
country,"  "  but  British  interests  and  British  inlhience  may  be  maintained 
as  parainount  on  this  interesting  part  of  the  coast  of  the  Pacific." 

On  the  1st  of  February,  1837,  (ieorge  Simpson,  esq.,  agent  of  the  com- 
pany in  America,  writes  to  Governor  Pelby  on  the  same  subject.     He  says: 

"Thfi  possession  of  that  country  ("Oregon)  to  Great  Britain  may  become  an  object  of  very  great 
importance,  and  ice  art  strengthenini;  their  claim  to  it  h'j  forming  the  nucleus  of  a  colony,  through  tlie 
(Ntiiliiishnient  of  farms  and  the  .settlpineiit  of  some  of  our  retirinij  officers  and  servants  as  agri- 
culturists." 

Not  satisfied  with  complying  with  the  words  and  spirit  of  the  conventions 
of  1S18  and  1827,  which  authorized  them  to  trade  upon  our  soil,  and  for 
ilie  purpose  of  strengthening  the  claim  of  Great  Britain,  they  were  "fortn- 
iu<f  the  nucleus  of  a  colony.''^ 

Mr.  Chairman,  I  take  the  following  extracts  from  Greenhow's  History  of 
Oregon,  to  show  the  committee  the  aspect  of  aflairs  upon  our  own  soil: 

"  Wherever  an  Anicrii'nn  trading;  post  las  been  established,  or  an  American  party  lias  beer» 
enjraircd  in  trade  on  the  I'olu.ubia,  there  a|i])(arcd  a  Hudson's  Ray  agent,  at  the  head  of  a  num- 
ber of  hunters,  or  with  a  lanrc  stock  of  merchandise,  or  a  large  amount  of  specie  in  hand,  which 
were  offered  for  skins  on  terms  more  favoralije  to  the  Iiidinus  than  those  possessed  by  citi/.ens 
iif  i!ic  United  Stiitcs  ;  and  the  latter,  in  consequence,  finding  their  labors  vain,  were  soon  obliged 
10  It  tire  from  the  field." 

Ag.iin: 

"As  the  fur  trade  in  the  countries  of  the  Columbia  decreased,  the  Hudson's  Bay  Company 
becan  to  turn  its  attention  to  other  objects.  Farms  were  laid  out  on  an  extensive  scale,  and 
mills  for  grindiiiiT  grain  and  sawing  wii,d  were  erected  near  the  lower  part  of  the  great  river, 
near  Bulfiiich's  Harbor,  near  I'uget's  Sound,  and  in  other  places.'' 

The  policy  of  the  Engli.^h  Government,  for  several  years  past,  evinres-a 
settled  determination,  by  '■•  formiiii^  the  nucleus  of  a  colony,''''  to  retain 
permanent  possession  of  the  country.  Peihaj)«  they  have  based  their  calcu- 
lation upon  a  continuance  of  tluit  line  of  jiolicy  which  withholds  from  our 
citizens  inducements  to  settle  the  Oregon  territory,  and  leaves  our  people, 
already  there,  to  struggle  with  the  concentrated  power  of  an  incorporated 
company,  without  any  certainty  that  their  rights  will  ultimately  be  pro- 
tticted.  But,  Mr.  Chairman,  if  t'  '•'iiiglish  (iovcrnment  has  come  to  such 
a  conclusion,  they  have  again  misittken  the  character  of  the  musses  in  this 
country.  Although  our  iiflVclions  cling  around  our  family  altars,  and  we 
rally  the  more  readily  to  their  defence,  yet  the  patriotism  of  the  American 
people  is  as  broad  as  the  land  we  inhabit. 

But,  .Mr.  Cliairman,  it  is  uigetl  that  the  present  Executive  of  the  United 
Slates  tendered  to  England  the  4^^^^  of  north  latitude  as  the  boundary,  and 
iliai.  altiiough  it  was  rejected  by  England,  and  subsequently  wididrawu  by 
tin;  United  Slates,  yet,  if  it  was  now  tendered  by  Great  Britain,  we  should 
be  l)ound  to  accept  it.  To  this  conclusion  I  cannot  agree.  If  the  tender 
had  been  accepted,  we  certainly  should  have  been  bound  by  it;  but,  as  it 
was  declined,  and  then  willRliawn ,  the  two  Governments  occupy  the  same 
positiuu  they  did  before  it  was  made.  The  argument  is,  that  we  could  not 
rct'use  an  oiler  which  we  had  boeii  liberal  enougii  to  make  ourselves.  All 
agree  th.it  the  President  could  not  have  made  a  more  liberal  oiler,  consistent 


12 

with  the  honor  of  our  country;  and  yet,  sir,  in  181S  and  1826, we  tendered 
to  Great  Britain  the  49°  of  north  latitude,  together  ivith  the  fiec  naviga- 
tion of  the  Columbia  river  south  of  that  latitude.  Now,  sir,  if  we  are 
bound,  as  gentlemen  insist,  to  accept  as  liberal  an  offer  from  Great  Britain 
as  we  liave  tendered,  we  should  be  compelled  to  accept  the  parallel  of  49°, 
if  oflered,  giving  to  that  Power  tlie  free  navigation  of  the  Columbia  river, 
south  of  that  parallel.  No  member  upon  this  lloor  will,  I  tiust,  so  far  for- 
get the  interests  of  his  country  as  to  surrender  the  free  navigation  of  a  river 
which  flows  through  our  territory.  1  regret,  Mr.  Chairman, thatgendenien, 
in  their  anxiety  to  compromise  upon  49°,  should  have  placed  themselves  in 
so  false  a  position . 

Sir,  I  have  no  hesitation  in  saying,  that  it  is  my  deliberate  opinion,  after 
the  most  mature  reflection,  that,  if  England  fenders  the  49°  degree  of  north 
latitude  as  the  boundary  between  the  two  countries,  or  any  other  parallel 
south  of  54°  40',  it  should  be  promptly  and  unhcsilatingiy  rejected,  "and 
our  title  to  the  whole  Oregon  territory  asserted."  I  beg  leave,  Mr.  Chair- 
man, in  this  connexion,  to  state  that  England  never  will,  in  my  opinion, 
compromise  at  49°.  The  harbors  and  territory  which  she  desires  to  possess 
are  between  the  49°  and  the  mouth  of  the  Columbia,  and  we  shall  be  com- 
pelled to  present  to  tlie  world  the  humiliating  spectacle  of  purciiasing  a 
peace  by  ofl'ering  to  surrender  still  more  of  our  soil. 

It  may  be  well  to  recollect,  Mr.  Chairman,  that  the  amount  of  territory 
gentlemen  propose  to  surrender  between  49°  and  o4°  40',  north  latitude,  is 
about  100,600,000  acres,  and  that  the  people  may  regard  peace  purchased 
at  such  a  price  rather  too  dear. 

The  Executive,  in  his  message,  asserts  the ///r/,  that  our  title  to  the 
whole  Oregon  territory  has  been  '  >naintaiued  by  irrefragable  facts  and  ar- 
ffutnetits." 

In  his  message,  the  President  sta'   ■  the  following  jon'«''7j/e; 

"  Near  a  quarter  of  a  rentury  Rj;n,  the  prinoi]  was  distiiirtly  annouiKcd  to  the  world,  in  the 
-annu.il  messiis^c  of  one  of  my  predeccsRors,  thiit  the  Anierieaii  coniin';i.i.->,  by  the  iivf  and  inde- 
pendent condition  which  they  had  assumed  ami  maintained,  are  hencet'urthjnot  to  l)e  considered  aa 
subjects  for  future  colonization  by  any  Euro])ean  power.'  This  principle  will  ap|)ly  with  j^reat- 
ly  increased  force,  should  any  Luropean  power  attcmjit  to  establish  any  new  colony  in  >forth 
America.  In  the  existing  circumstances  of  the  world,  the  present  is  deemed  a  pro))er  occasion 
to  reiterate  and  reaffirm  the  principle  avowed  by  Mr.  iVIonroe,  and  to  slate  my  cordial  concur- 
rence in  its  wisdom  and  sound  polity." 

Now,  sir,  if  it  is  the  settled  policy  of  this  country  that  the  American  con- 
tinents are  not  to  be  considered  as  sulijects  for  future  colonization  by  iiny 
European  power,  it  applies  to  territory  to  which  we  have  no  claim,  as  well 
as  to  that  which  belongs  to  us;  and,  if  we  cannot  suffer  the  powers  of  Eu- 
rope to  colonize  parts  of  the  American  continent  over  which  we  have  no 
claim,  how  can  we  surrender  territory  to  which  our  title  is  ''clear  and  un- 
questionable," upon  whicli  a  foreign  power  can  form  the  ''nucleus  of  a  co- 
lony?" I  am  decidedly  of  opinion,  Mr.  Chairman,  that  the  joint  right  of 
trade  in  Oregon  should  terminate  as  soon  as  possible.  The  English  are 
erecting  forts,  and  forming  the  "nucleus  of  a  colony,"  north  of  the  Colum- 
bia. Our  citizens  arc  selUing  south  of  that  streau).  If  this  is  su  fie  ret  I  to 
continue,  the  Columbia  river  will  become  the  boundary  between  the  two 
countries.  To  extend  our  laws  over  the  territory,  and  build  forts,  will  be 
proper,  as  long  as  our  citizens  and  the  subjects  of  England  occupy  different 


portions  of 

forts,  where 

contact  witl 

can  rifle  gli 

blasts  of  th( 

English  infi 

sir,  let  this 

would  be  si 

I  am  in  i 

zens  in  Or( 

only  means 

lion  of  our 

A  disting 

STEH,)  I   h 

should  be  1 

establish  ai 

be  allowed 

ator,  I  can 

induced  th 

grounded  1 

si  ana  were 

soluble  bo! 

means  of  j 

ous  foes. 

fraternal  l( 

us  that  it  1 

when  inte 

of  the  pec 

ments  wh 

The  ob 

the  policy 

tended ,  b; 

ment,  au( 

ble ,  or  in 

land  may 

The  ht 

lights  of  1 

has  sprea( 

Mississipi 

equality  ( 

the  Pacif 

Sir,  1 

might  dv 

from  the 

pheres,  ' 

other.     I 

it  will  af 

and  live 

his  flock 


ve  tendered 
/  ce  naviga- 
if  we  are 
real  Britain 
iIlelof49°, 
inl)ia  river, 
,  so  far  for- 
m  of  a  river 
gentlemen, 
eniseives  in 

linion ,  after 
ree  of  north 
ler  parallel 
clod,  "and 
Mr.  Cliair- 
ny  opinion, 
s  to  possess 
all  be  I'oni- 
urcliasing  a 

of  territory 

latitude,  is 

3  purchased 

title  to  the 
lets  and  ar- 


e  world,  in  the 
fret  and  indc- 
?  I'Diisidered  as 
ily  witli  grciit- 
I'liiy  in  North 
ro|)('r  occasion 
:ordial  concur- 


lerican  con- 
ion  by  any 
ini,  as  well 
ers  of  Eu- 
■e  have  no 
ar  and  nn- 
us  of  a  co- 
inl  right  of 
'Inglish  are 
he  Colinii- 
suHereii  to 
n  the  two 
tS;  will  be 
y  different 


13 

portions  of  the  territory.  But,  once  let  our  people  pass  the  river,  and  erect 
ibrts,  where  the  crocs  of  St.  George,  floating  upon  the  breeze,  conies  irk 
contact  with  the  stars  and  stripes — let  the  English  bayonet  and  the  Ameri- 
can rifle  glitter  upon  opposite  hills — while  upon  the  same  plains,  to  the 
blasts  of  the  bugle  dash  the  American  cavalry,  and  the  serried  ranks  of  the 
English  infantry  move  to  the  notes  of  th^  tife  and  tlie  rolling  of  the  drum — 
sir,  let  this  state  of  affairs  exist  for  two  weeks,  and  insults  will  pass,  blood 
would  be  shed,  and  the  English  or  American  flag  would  trail  in  the  dust. 

I  am  in  favor  of  erecting  forts  and  extending  our  laws  to  protect  our  citi- 
zens in  Oregon .  But  with  it  I  think  we  should  now  give  the  notice ,  as  the 
only  means  to  prevent  a  rupture  with  England,  or  the  si<rrender  of  a  por- 
tion of  our  territory. 

A  distinguished  Senator,  in  the  oilier  end  of  the  Capitol,  (Mr.  Web- 
STEii,)  I  believe,  has  expressed  the  opinion,  that  the  people  in  Oregon 
should  be  left  to  select  their  own  government,  and  if  they  think  proper,  to 
establish  an  independent  republic,  west  of  the  Rocky  mountains,  they  should 
be  allowed  to  do  so.  Notwithstanding  the  ability  of  that  distinguised  Sen- 
ator, I  cannot  bring  myself  to  agree  to  his  conclusions.  The  policy  which 
induced  the  union  of  these  States  was  no  doubt  partially  based  upon  well 
grounded  fears  of  their  becoming  rival  republics.  The  Floriias  and  Loui- 
siana were  purchased,  and  Texas  was  annexed ,  to  attach  to  us,  by  the  indis- 
soluble bonds  of  "  the  Union ,"  territories  that  might  have  possessed  the 
means  of  annoyance,  if  not  the  inducement,  of  becoming  open  and  danger- 
ous foes.  The  germ  of  s'rife  and  bloodshed  have  thus  been  converted  into 
fraternal  love.  The  history  of  all  republics,  Mr.  Chairman,  should  learn 
us  that  it  IS  far  belter  for  contigut  us  territory  to  be  under  one  government, 
when  interests  are  merged ,  and  the  welfare  of  all  become  the  end  and  aim 
of  the  people,  than  to  run  the  hazard  of  a  collision,  by  creating  the  ele- 
ments which  will  produce  it. 

The  objections  of  that  distinguished  Senator  may  perhaps  be  founded  in 
the  policy  of  the  Federal  party,  that  our  territorial  limits  should  not  be  ex- 
tended ,  based  upon  a  disbelief  in  the  capacity  of  the  people  for  self  govern- 
ment, and  therefore  a  determination  to  confide  the  right  to  as  few  as  possi- 
ble, or  in  opposition  to  the  acquisition  of  more  territory,  that  the  price  of 
land  may  increase. 

The  hopes  of  ihe  advocates  for  free  government  have  been  realized.  The 
tights  of  man  have  been  secured.  The  spirit  of  our  Constitution  and  la'vs 
lias  spread  from  the  Atlantic  shores,  fiir  west  throughout  the  valley  of  the 
Mississippi;  the  Rocky  mountains  have  been  surmounted,  and  liberty  and 
equality  cover,  as  with  a  shield,  the  American  citizen  upon  the  shores  of 
the  Pacific. 

Sir,  I  might  allude  to  the  value  of  that  country  to  the  United  States.  I 
might  dwell  upon  its  excellent  harbors,  where  oiu-  shipping  can  rest  secure 
from  the  attacks  of  our  enemies,  in  its  passage  between  the  two  hemis- 
pheres, while  exchanging  the  necessaries  of  one  for  the  luxuries  of  the 
other.  I  could  bring  to  the  attention  of  the  committee,  the  facilities  which 
it  will  afford  us  for  shipbuilding— the  vast  amoiuit  of  fir,  white  oak,  pine, 
and  live  oak  which  cover  the  land.  Upon  her  hills,  the  shepherd  an  tend 
his  flocksj  upon  the  plains,  rich  and  fertile  farms,  covered  with  waving  grain,, 


14 

will  reward  the  labor. of  the  husbandman;  her  valleys,  teeming  with 
manufactories,  will  diifuse  comforts  throughout  the  territory;  her  lovely 
glens  and  beautiful  cascades  will  be  the  admiration  of  travellers,  while  the 
soft  breezes  from  the  Pacific  will  waft  to  her  lap  all  that  can  contribute  to 
the  health  or  happiness  of  her  citizens.  But  all  this  affords  me  no  greater 
inducement  to  assert  our  right  to  territory  which  unquestionably  belongs 
to  us. 

But,  it  is  said,  Mr.  Chairman,  that  there  is  no  necessity  for  urging  this 
question  now.  Tl)is  has  been  the  argument  of  England;  for  years  she  has 
oojected  to  (he  adjustment  of  this  question.  Twenty-eight  years,  Mr. 
Chairman,  is  long  enough  to  be  discussing  a  question  of  territorial  right. 
We  have  never  gained  much  by  negotiating  with  our  ancient  foe .  Her 
statesmen  are  cautious  and  far-seeing.  They  are  well  aware  of  the  twie  to 
press  an  unfounded  claim,  and  can  well  judge  of  how  many  difficulties  to 
adjust  at  once.  When  the  treaty  was  formed  ceding  away  the  mountain 
boundary  of  Maine,  as  an  equivalent  for  that  unwarrantable  cession,  Great 
Britain  ought  to  have  had  the  magnanimity  to  relinquish  an  unfounded 
claim  to  any  portion  of  Oregon  territory,  even  if  the  American  negotiator 
had  not  the  spirit  to  ask  it.  Sir,  we  may  sec  the  artfid  policy  by  which 
EngUsh  diplomatists  are  governed,  b}^  reading  the  following  extract  from 
the  communication  of  Lord  Aberdeen,  in  October,  1842,  to  Mr.  Fox,  the 
British  minister  at  Washington: 

"You  are  aware  that  Lord  Asliburton  \va.s  furnished  with  specific  and  detailed  instructions, 
■witli  respect  to  the  treatment  of  this  point  of  differcn''e  between  the  two  Governments,  in  the 
general  negotiations  with  which  he  was  entrusted,  and  which  he  ha.3  brought  to  a  satisfactory 
issue. 

"For  reasons  which  it  is  not  necessary  here  to  state  at  length,  that  point,  after  having  been 
made  the  subject  of  conference  with  the  American  Secretary  of  Staic,  was  not  further  pressed. 
The  main  ground  alleged  by  his  lordship  for  abstaining  from  proposing  to  carry  on  the  discus- 
sion, with  respect  to  tlie  question  of  the  noitliwest  boundary,  was,  the  iipprehcusion,  Ust,  by  so 
doing,  the  seltkment  of  the  far  more  important  matter  of  the  northeustern  boundary  should  he  impeded, 
or  exjwsed  to  the  hazard  of  a  failure.'" 

A  bold,  prompt,  and  determined  assertion  of  our  rights  should  at  all  times 
be  adopted  by  this  country,  but  more  especially  at  so  critical  a  period  in  our 
history  as  the  present. 

I  have  been  much  surprised,  Mr.  Chairman,  to  hoar  sentlpnien  upon 
this  floor,  in  glowing  language,  talk  al)out  the  power  of  EngUniu  and  the 
weakness  of  our  own  country,  as  if  t/iat  was  to  be  taken  into  consideration 
by  members  representing  portions  of  this  powerful  confederacy,  when  S'.t- 
ding  a  question  of  territorial  right.  Why,  sir,  do  they  forget  that  we  are 
six  times  stronger  than  when  the  stars  and  stripes  waved  in  triumph  over  the 
flag  of  England  in  the  first  struggle;  and  that  we  have  grown  in  strength 
since  American  valor  proved  victorious  at  the  point  of  the  bayonet,  and 
broke  the  charm  of  British  invincibility  upon  the  sea?  Why,  Mr.  Chair- 
man, gentlemen  might  take  courage  from  the  spirited  language  of  a  young 
lady,  who,  from  her  position  upon  the  northern  border,  is  in  as  much  dan- 
ger as  these  geiUlemen  or  their  constituents.  In  a  letter  to  me  she  remarks: 
*■'  I  cannot  say  that  I  wish  for  war;  but  still  I  do  not  vish  one  foot  of  land 
to  be  given  up  that  belongs  to  vs;  and  if  it  cannot  be  done  any  other  way , 
keep  it  at  the  vioitth  of  your  cannon  ^ 


During 
the  assistai 
experience 
sterner  sex 
A  natior 
respect  of  t 
her  influer 
her  from  t 
One  of 
same  time 
Frederick 
France,  ar 
odds  were 
the  war  cl 
when  wai 
The  Ga 
the  (/apito 
^'defenccb 
were  weig 
scale,  dec  I 
moment  C 
selves  lUK 
Mr.  Ch 
buy  a  pea 
and  patrio 
A  propc 
give  the  n 
gentlemer 
from  the  ( 
sibilily  of 
the  odiun 
notice;  ai 
upon  the 
of  the  del 
I  do  no:  1 
dined  to 
of  the  qu 
I  am  f 
merged  ii 
fearfid  a 
of  duty, 
of  wire-' 
territory 
order  thn 
forward 
alone  nv 
My  pt 
no  rcaso 
am  Willi 
If  w« 


15 


craing  with 
her  lovely 
■3,  while  the 
ontribute  to 
e  no  greater 
ibly  belongs 

urging  this 
ears  she  has 

years,  Mr. 
itorial  right, 
t  foe .     Her 

the  time  to 
ifliciilties  to 
e  mountain 
ssion ,  Great 

unfountled 
1  negotiator 
y  by  which 
xtrac(  from 
r.  Fox,  the 


instructions, 
nineiits,  in  the 
I  a  satisfactory 

r  Iiaving  been 
irtluT  pressed, 
on  the  discus- 
sion, Irst,  b<j  so 
uld  be  impeded, 

at  all  times 
!riod  in  our 

n)en  upon 
lu  and  the 
n-sideration 
,  when  S'.t- 
)at  we  are 
ah  over  the 
in  strength 
Vonet ,  and 
Ir.  Chair- 
f  a  young 
nuch  dan- 
e  remarks: 
>o/  of  land 
it/ier  way , 


During  that  period  of  our  country's  history  "which  tried  men's  souls," 
the  assistance  and  advice  of  the  ladies  was  received  and  appreciated ,  and 
experience  has  proved,  that  in  times  of  peril  they  are  pftener  rigtit  than  the 
sterner  sex. 

A  nation  which  hesitates  to  defend  her  rights  soon  ceai^es  to  prwaess  the 
respect  of  the  powers  of  the  earth;  one  encroachment  after  another  narrows 
her  influence  and  contracts  her  territory,  until  ambition  or  avarice  strikes 
her  from  the  list  of  nations. 

One  of  the  most  brilliant  passages  in  the  history  of  the  world ,  and ,  at  the 
same  time,  one  of  the  most  instructing,  was  the  glorious  stand  taken  by 
Frederick  the  Great,  of  Prussia,  against  the  combined  powera  of  Ru.ssia, 
France,  and  Austria,  when  they  sought  to  carve  up  his  dominion:).  The 
odds  were  fearful,  but  he  did  not  hesitate  to  defend  hii>  rights,  and  before 
the  war  closed,  he  taught  his  enemies  how  terrible  is  the  shock  of  battle 
when  wairiors  are  defending  their  homes. 

The  Gauls  once  proving  victorious  over  the  anns  of  Rome,  laid  siege  to 
the  (/'apitol.  Struck,  with  terror  at  the  "j9o?rer"  of  the  Gauls,  and  their 
''dfifettcf'kss^^  condition,  they  sought  to  "binjapeacc/^  While  the  Romans 
were  weighing  the  gold,  the  leader  of  the  Gauls  caj^t  his  »word  into  the 
scale,  declaring  that  the  fate  of  the  conquered  was  submL%?ion.  At  this 
moment  Caniillus  appeared  before  the  gates,  and  the  Romans  placing  them- 
selves mider  his  command,  gained  a  complete  victory  over  the  Gauls. 

Mr.  Cliairman,  when  the  American  people  suffer  their  representatives  to 
binj  a  peace,  it  will  be  when  the  deeds  of  our  sires  are  forgotten,  and  valor 
and  patriotism  cease  to  meet  the  approving  smiles  of  American  Ujauly. 

A  proposition  is  gravely  urged,  to  extend  to  the  President  the  power  to 
give  the  notice  whenever,  in  his  discretion,  he  may  think  proj>er.  Would 
gentlemen  throw  all  the  responsibility  upon  the  Executive?  If  we  shrink 
from  the  discharge  of  a  duty,  will  he  feel  authorized  to  at&^'uiiie  the  respon- 
sibility of  giving  the  notice?  He  stands  alone,  without  any  one  to  divide 
the  odium  with  him,  if  a  disastrous  war  should  be  the  result  of  giving  the 
notice;  and  although  I  do  not  distrust  his  firmness,  yet  when  a  JK»ld  ?tand 
upon  the  part  ot  this  House  is  so  tnuch  to  be  desired,  as  evidence  to  England 
of  the  determination  of  the  people,  it  is  strange  that  gentlemen  will  .«hrink. 
I  do  no'  know  what  will  be  the  result  of  giving  notice,  but  1  am  much  in- 
clined to  believe,  that  it  will  produce  a  satisfactory  and  speedy  adjustment 
of  the  question. 

I  am  fearful,  Mr.  Chairman,  that  the  wishes  of  the  people  are  sometimes 
merged  in  a  desire  for  president-making.  They  will  certainly  be  held  to  a 
fearful  accountability  by  their  constituents,  if  there  is  faltering  in  the  path 
of  duty.  The  citizens  of  this  country  will  promptly  condemn  any  system 
of  wire-working  and  double-dealing,  any  nice  calculations  of  how  much 
territory  may  be  surrendered ,  or  how  far  our  rights  nmsl  Ik;  extended,  in 
order  that  any  aspirant  may  be  foisted  into  the  presidential  cfiair.  A  .straight- 
forward determination  to  assert  the  rights  and  honor  of  the  country  will 
alone  njeet  the  approbation  of  the  American  people. 

My  position  was  taken  upon  this  question  before  my  constituents.  I  see 
no  reason,  sir,  for  changing  the  opinions  I  avowed  before  my  election.  I 
am  willing  to  be  as  explicit  here  as  I  was  then. 

If  we  can  obtain  the  whole  territory  by  negotiation,  and  that  speedily,  I, 


16 


as  one  individual,  am  willing  that  negotiations  should  be  opened  again  for 
that  purpose.  I  am  opposed  to  arbitration  or  compromise.  I  would  vote 
for  a  declaration  of  war  sooner  than  surrender  any  portion  of  the  Oregon 
territory.  • 

Mr.  Chairman,  much  has  been  said  about  the  bravery  of  their  constitu- 
ents, by  representatives  upon  this  floor.  Tennessee  requires  no  eulogium 
from  me.  Her  deeds  are  written  upon  many  a  page  which  adorns  our 
country's  history.  Although  my  constituents  prefer  the  quiet  happiness 
"Which  peace  confers ,  yet  when  a  haughty  power  demands  a  surrender  of 
our  soil,  or  requires  us  to  purchase  a  peace,  I  feel  authorized  to  say  for 
them,  that  their  share  of  the  tribute  shall  not  be.  paid  in  gold,  but  in  glit' 
tering  steel  and  balls  of  iron. 


3d  again  for 
would  vote 
the  Oregon 

eir  constitu- 

0  eulogium 
adorns  our 

t  happiness 
urrender  of 

1  to  say  for 
but  in  glit- 


